The Global Locations of US Service Members

The US military oversees more than 4,790 military sites around the world. Added together, they cover an area roughly the size of Virginia. The US military’s global footprint encompasses bases and personnel in key regions. It plays a role in international relations and security. However, the recent deaths of three military members in Jordan highlight the risks faced by US forces stationed around the globe.

• As of September 2023, there were 2.63 million military personnel, including active-duty troops, reserves, and civilian workers. Of those personnel, 1.3 million are on active duty, both at home and abroad.
• Most of the troops stationed in the US were in California (161,052 troops), Virginia (127,020), and Texas (110,582). California hosted 40.3% of all Marine Corps members due to San Diego’s Marine Corps Recruit Depot and 25.8% of active-duty naval troops.
• The US had more than 228,390 US military personnel in countries including Japan, Germany, South Korea, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Japan has more US troops than any other country: 53,246.
• There were 741,292 reserve force members across the US. Last September, 29 states reported having more reserve troops than active-duty personnel.